Police said officers were called around 2 a.m. Sunday to the 3400 block of Esther Place, where three men, one wielding a machete, had demanded a man's belongings. Police said the victim tried to fight back. He suffered multiple stab wounds on his hands and head, police said.

"That lets us know they are willing to do violence if they don't get what they want," Monroe said.

Police said officers were called around 11:44 p.m. Sunday to the 200 block of South Grundy Street, where two victims said that five men were in a gray four-door sedan outside a nightclub before they demanded the victims' belongings.

Police said one of the victims was assaulted with a machete and a baseball bat. That victim's cellphone and cash were stolen. Another victim was chased down the block, police said.

Around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 17, police said officers were called to the 400 block of Oldham Street, where a person was walking home when three young men wearing ski masks approached. Police said one of the men had a machete, and the victim was able to run into his house.

Police said investigators are running into barriers of fear and lack of trust. According to police, the victims and the assailants are all Hispanic.

Police think those who may have information about the incidents are reluctant to come forward, worried about their immigration status.

Bruce Lewandowski, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Patrick's Catholic churches, said that is a real concern.

"People are afraid to come forward, afraid if they come forward, it will have a negative consequence, that they are doing something good by coming forward, but it will lead to them being detained and deported," Lewandowski said. "They are concerned, anxious. Any involvement with law enforcement on any level will trip the system, and someday immigration agents will come to their door ready to take them."

"We want them to understand, we don't care. We want you to be safe in your community. We don't care about your status," Monroe said.

City police said they do have persons of interest. Investigators are speaking with victims and witnesses. Anyone can give information anonymously through Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.

Police said that when they have possibly undocumented suspects, they do have to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement about them.